Abstract:
According to the invention, a carbon hard mask layer (2) is applied to a substrate to be structured (1) by means of a plasma-enhanced deposition method in such a way that it has a diamond-like hardness in at least one vertical section of a layer. During the production of said diamond-type vertical section of a layer, the deposition parameters are adjusted in such a way that certain diamond-type growth regions are removed in situ by means of subsequent etching processes, and other diamond-type regions remain.
Abstract:
The photomask and the associated method of lithography and mask technique enable production of a regular configuration of resist dots or holes. At least one photomask is a phase mask. The method is useful for the production of magnetic memory components, in particular MRAM memories, having elliptically shaped magnetic memory elements of high density.
Abstract:
Layers are patterned with a lithography method during the fabrication of integrated circuits. A mask, which may be reflective or transmissive, for carrying out the method. The photosensitive layers are exposed to radiation that is emitted by a radiation source. The radiation lies in the extreme ultraviolet region and is guided via the mask onto the photosensitive layers.
Abstract:
A method for structuring photoresists, in which a photoresist is prepared on a substrate and undergoes a first exposure, in which the photoresist is exposed with a first photomask which images a main structure and an auxiliary structure which improves imaging of the main structure formed on the photoresist, so that a chemical differentiation of the photoresist between the exposed and unexposed zones results. Subsequently a second exposure with a second photomask is carried out, which displays the imaging auxiliary structure on the photoresist and the main structure is not imaged on the photoresist, such that only in the displayed sections of the imaging auxiliary structure does a chemical modification of the photoresist result, and the photoresist is developed with a developer such that only the main structure remains on the substrate. An Independent claim is given for a photomask with a main structure and an auxiliary structure.
Abstract:
Determining image distortions of photomasks comprises applying a photo-active layer on a substrate; forming a latent image of the mask in the photo-active layer by irradiating; treating with amplifying agent which reacts with components of the material of the photo-active layer to form a chemical bond; and determining the growth of the photo-active layer outside and/or inside the image of the mask. Independent claims are also included for the following: (i) a process for optimizing the layout of a photomask; and (ii) a process for determining the local radiation dose. Preferred Features: After producing the latent image, a contrasting step is carried out, preferably by heat treating. An anti-reflection layer is formed on the substrate below the photo-active layer.
Abstract:
A carbon hard mask layer is applied to a substrate to be patterned by means of a plasma-enhanced deposition process in such a manner that it has a hardness comparable to that of diamond in at least one layer thickness section. During the production of this diamond-like layer thickness section, the parameters used in the deposition are set in such a manner that growth regions which are produced in a form other than diamond-like are removed again in situ by means of subsequent etching processes and that diamond-like regions which are formed are retained.
Abstract:
Mask set comprises a first chrome-less phase mask (1) for producing exposed and non-exposed regions on a photolaquer in a minimal structure and a second mask (2) for dividing the non-exposed regions by exposing partial regions of the regions non-exposed by the first phase mask. An Independent claim is also claimed for a process for producing structures acting as resist masks (3). Preferred Features: The second mask is a chrome-on-glass mask or a halftone mask. The exposed and non-exposed regions produced by the first mask are formed in straight lines. Both masks each have a number of individual structures.
Abstract:
Imaging errors in optical exposure units for the lithographic structuring of semiconductors are determined. First, a latent image of a mask is first produced in a photoactivatable layer by exposure using the optical exposure unit to be tested. After heat treating for increasing the contrast and developing the exposed resist, the latter is treated with an amplification agent which preferably diffuses into the exposed parts of the photoresist. There, it reacts with groups of the photoresist. This leads to an increase in the layer thickness of the resist in the exposed parts. A topographical image of the surface of the photoresist, which can be created, for example, by scanning electron microscopy, then indicates imaging errors by protuberances which are located outside the image of the mask. The method permits testing of optical exposure units under production conditions and thus facilitates the adjustment and the checking of all components of the exposure system used for the production of microchips.